CULTURE
Singapore has a rich and diverse culture that is celebrated
by all Singaporeans, young or old. Everything about Singapore reflects
the colourful traditions that make her multi-cultural heritage. Embark
on a walking tour of Little India, Kampong Glam and China Town, and you
will see a blend of shop houses with old-world architecture standing side
by side with towering skyscrapers. Simply immerse yourself in the different
worlds of silk sarees, ancient temples and mosques, and spicy delicious
dishes. In China Town you can dine on the fine wine and shark's fin soup,
while a few streets away you can find expensive boutique restaurants that
serve fine French cuisine. You will also find Singapore's oldest temple
and mosque, built by the early Hindu and Muslim settlers. Each of these
areas has a distinct cultural flavour and you will find amazing contrasts
in the most surprising places.
Look around you will find Singaporeans living the traditions
handed down through several generations-Malay families in their dress called
Baju Kurong, traveling between family visits. Chinese businessmen selecting
an auspicious day for business activities, Indian housewives preparing
elaborate meals for their families is all so routine here. |
BOTANIC
GARDENS
It is indeed a relaxing escape from the city. An interesting
fact about this garden is that the Malaysia's rubber industry had its origin
in this Botanic Gardens late in the 19th century. Here you will also find
the National Orchid Gardens meticulously manicured grounds, which hold
the world's largest display of over 60,000 orchid plants. The natural beauty
of the botanic gardens tropical plants and equatorial flora will simply
take your breath away.
BUKIT
TIMAH NATURE RESERVE
This is a large area of primary jungle that provides
a steaming, tropical experience and includes nature lovers and hikers alike.
SUNGEI
BULOH NATURE RESERVE
It is one of the stop-over points for birds migrating
along the East Asian Flyway. There are excellent observation points that
let you catch sight of these global travellers in all their finery.
Whether it is nature reserves, gardens, parks, unspoiled
reservoir belts or even along the tree lined roads that criss cross the
island, you can experience the splendour of Singapore's tropical flora
nd fauna. |
| FESTIVALS
A year long series of activities make up an exciting calendar
of events when you come to Singapore. The festivals offer you an experience
in colour and character, giving a good view of the rich cultures that make
Singapore's heritage. From thimithi, when Hindu devotees walk across hot
coals, to the lunar New Year, when the Chinese bring in their New Year,
whatever the time of year, there will always be a festival for you to experience
and enjoy.
There are a lot of Chinese Festivals in Singapore. You
can either join the procession of Lantern carrying children during the
month of autumn festival or celebrate the heroism of a Chinese scholar
during the Dragon Boat Festival. Experience Little India during Deepavali
when the Serangoon street is lit up with colourful lights.
Marvel at celebration Singapore from November to February,
when singapore throws the world's longest party with a spectacular display
of lights and festive celebrations, from the christmas lights down Orchard
Road to the fireworks during Lunar New Year. The Singapore Food Festival
and the Great Singapore Sale is during June and July. During this time
you can either enjoy a massive range of food or catch a shopping bargain.
In addition, this time features the Festival of Arts, where you can catch
up with the best Asian and International Arts at the numerous performances
around town. |
DIVINE
DELICACIES
Food is an important part of everyday life in Singapore.
From silver service at the top of the world's tallest hotel, to the down
to earth hawker centers, you are sure to have the gourment experience of
a life time.
Chinese, Indian and Malay food and much more can be found
here in every corner of the city. There are also restaurants that boast
the best fare in the region. There are more than 500
restaurants that cater to every taste, and serve all styles of cuisine
from Mexican, Japanese, Italian, American and Greek to Northern Indian.
You can treat yourself to one of these dining experiences next to Singapore
River o Boat Quay or Clarke Quay. There are even Singapore's own brand
of New Asia - Singapore cuisine which is a fusion of Western and Asian
cooking. All in all there is an adudance of food to satisfy the appetite.
And for those with a deeper interest in Singapore cooking, there are cooking
courses and food tours, and the glorious month long Singapore Food Festival
in July. |
| SHOPPING
Singapore is the world of endless shopping. Singapore
shopping is about variety, quality, value for money and excellent service.
From the latest in electronics, traditional crafts, European high fashion
and traditional Asian wares to high-tech computer software, you will find
it all in Singapore.
The range of goods you get here are phenomenal. Fashions
from International couture houses can be found in well appointed, modern
shopping centers. Little India and Kampong Glam offer everything from traditional
goods and interesting souvenirs to everyday wares. International auctions
are regularly conducted by Christie`s Sotheby's and Bon hams. Singapore
has art galleries that specialise in Asian as well as Western Art. If shopping
is your passion, make sure you visit Singapore between June and July for
the "Great Singapore Sale", where the retail industry gets together for
an island wide sale for everything from clothing, electronic goods, cameras
and cute stuffed toys.
NOTE: A 3% Goods and Service Tax (GST) is levied on most
goods and services in Singapore. But you can apply for a GST refund on
purchase amounting to S$300 or more. Receipts can be pooled from
participating shops which will display a Tax Refund sticker. A minimum
purchase of S$100 is required at each shop. |
FUN
AND RELAXATION
Theme parks, Nature Reserves and Beach Resorts are just
some of the Singaporean attractions that bring visitors from around the
world. But Singapore has a lot more to offer the curious visitor
who is willing to explore. Singapore attracts a host of special events
including major international performances. Singapore is a place where
east meets the West. From broadway concerts, classical symphonies, theaters,
rock concerts and pubs to night clubs, it is not unusual to find a ballet
performed just a stone's throw away from a traditional chinese Opera. Just
keep your eyes open and you could find adventure waiting for you just around
the corner.
SINGAPORE
ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
This is an internationally acclaimed Zoo. This attraction
is renowned in the region for its innovative open concepts and its conservation
efforts. You can enjoy the wealth of the world's wildlife in carefully
re-created habitants.
NIGHT
SAFARI
You can see another side of Singapore's nightlife. Most
of the jungle animals are nocturnal, so what better time to see them at
night? Special trams, which operate from early evening till midnight, take
you excitingly close to the animals, for an even closer view, try a walk
on the nature trails through the tropical rain forest. |
UNDERWATER
WORLD
If you like marine life, you must visit this place for
a fascinating voyage through tunnels enclosed by the region's most extensive
Marine Life exhibit. There is also a Fantasy Island, a water bonanza
of slips and slides. There are nature trails, a musical fountain and superb
beaches with cool shady spots to rest from the sun. If you really want
to stay close to all this fun, Sentosa has 3 luxurious resort hotels.
JURONG
BIRDPARK
This park has 20 hectares of beautifully landscaped surroundings
which house hundreds of bird species and a successful endangered birds
breeding programme. You can also see rare tropical birds in specially created
natural habitants and thrilling birds shows, which are both entertaining
and educational. |
TANG
DYNASTY CITY
It is a historical and cultural theme park based on the
ancient Tang Dynasty capital city, Chang-An in China. Complete with emperors,
courtiers, bandits and 1,200 life sized terra-cotta warriors, you can actually
wander around and experience life in ancient China.
SINGAPORE
HISTORY MUSEUM
This museum exhibits art crafts from early Singapore
and showcases life from the 1800`s. There are regular exhibitions with
themes that range from Peranakan Culture to the Children's Discovery Gallery. |
SINGAPORE
ART MUSEUM
It features 20th Century Singaporean and South East Asian
visual arts. Singapore is fast becoming the center of the art world in
this region, the display of artwork ranges from the avant garde to the
classical. The art museum also plays host to world-famous touring exhibitions.
SINGAPORE
BOAT QUAY
The Singapore river was for 150 years, the major artery
to Singapore's trading heart. But the sea borne trade has now moved to
Singapore's container port and much of the island is now involved in a
different, more modern form of commerce. However the pre-war trading houses
and warehouses along Boat Quay still stand in all their glory as elegantly
resorted shops, restaurants and bars. At Boat Quay you can take a ride
down the Singapore River on a river taxi. |
SPORTING
EVENTS
Singapore plays host to international sporting events
throughout the year. The World Invitational Dragon Boat Races, the Johnnie
Walker Golf Classic, the Konica Cup Badminton Championships are but a few
events that make Singapore a sporting attraction. Singapore also has 18
lush golf courses.
SPOKEN
LANGUAGE
The majority of Singaporean`s speak English, along with
their mother tongue which is usually Mandarin, Malay or Tamil
WEATHER
Singapore is pleasant through out the year. It has warm
climate round varying from 24 deg to 33 deg. The rainy season is from November
till February, however the showers rarely last long and provide a
cool respite. |
TRANSPORTATION
Singapore has an internationally acclaimed airport, which
is served by over 60 airlines with connections to 130 cities in more than
50 countries, and is considered to be the gateway to the region. Once you
land here the transport options multiply. You can find thousands of Taxi's
at your beck and call. An efficient, safe and cheap Bus system and the
Mass rapid Transport (MRT) Rail system will get you where you want to go
with absolutely no fuss at all. |
HOTELS
Singapore makes you feel Home away from Home. There are
over 80 gazetted hotels that offer world class accommodation and luxurious
suites. Most of these are conveniently located in the business and shopping
districts. There are also mid ranged hotels that are comfortable and reasonably
priced.
MONEY/BANKS
Bank stay open five and a half days a week. And the money
changers stay open all week long for easy and good value foreign currency
transaction. |
SENTOSA
ISLAND
It is all about recreation, and something for everyone
from families to honeymooners, and history buffs to nature lovers. Sentosa
is easily accessible by ferry, bus or a exhilarating ride on a cable car
from the scenic Mount Faber. At Sentosa`s pinnacle stands the Merlion Tower,
which offers an astounding view of the Singapore skyline. It also exhibits
for an interesting insight to the history of Singapore. |
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| SINGAPORE TOURISM |
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| TELEPHONE NO: |
TELEPHONE NO: |
Hong Kong Tel (852) 2598 9290, Fax (852) 2598 1040
Web site http://www.singapore.com.tw |
Los Angeles Tel (1-323) 852 1901, Fax (1-323) 852 0129
Web site http://www.singapore-usa.com |
Mumbai Tel (91-22) 285 3004, Fax (91-22) 283 5700
Web site http://www |
New York Tel (1-212) 302 4861, Fax (1-212) 302 4801
Web site http://www.singapore-usa.com |
Japan, Osaka Tel (81-6) 6635 3087, Fax (81-6) 66353089
Web site http://www.int-acc.or.jp/singapore/ |
Canada Tel (1-416) 363 8898, Fax (1-416) 363 5752
Web site http://www.singapore-ca.com |
Korea Tel (82-2) 399 5570, Fax (82-2) 399 5574
Web site http://www. |
New Zealand Tel (64-9) 358 1191, Fax (64-9) 358 1196
Web site http://www |
China Tel (86-21) 6336 0607, Fax (86-21) 6336 8565
Web site http://www. |
Argentina Tel (54-1) 381-1694, Fax (54-1) 806 3126
Web site http://www |
Taiwan Tel (886-2) 2718 5280, Fax (886-2) 2719 1049
Web site http://www.singapore.com.tw |
Johannesburg Tel (27-11) 728 5274, Fax (27-11)4831329
Web site http://www |
Japan, Tokyo Tel (81-3) 3593 3388, Fax 3591 1480
Web site http://www.int-acc.or.jp/singapore/ |
Mexico Tel (52-5) 559 5322, Fax (52-5) 559 0066
Web site http://www |
Australia, Tel (61-2) 9290 2888, Fax (61-2) 9290 2555
Web site http://www |
Melbourne Tel (03) 9606 0222, Fax (03) 9606 0322
Web site http://www |
Germany Tel (49-69) 920 770-0, Fax (49-69) 297 8922
Web site http://www |
Italy Tel (39-02) 584 5701, Fax (39-02) 584 57070
Web site http://www |
London Tel (44-171) 437 0033, Fax (44-171) 734 2191
Web site http://www |
Perth Tel (61-08) 9228 8166, Fax (61-08) 9228 8290
Web site http://www |
Paris Tel (33-1) 4297 1616, Fax (33-1) 4297 1617
Web site http://www |
Chile Tel (56-2) 233 3987, Fax (56-2) 233 4219
Web site http://www |
Switzerland Tel (41-1) 211 7474, Fax (41-1) 211 7422
Web site http://www |
Brazil Tel (55-11) 257 1177, Fax (55-11) 259 3824
Web site http://www |
Chicago Tel (1-312) 938 1888, Fax (1-312) 938 0086
Web site http://www.singapore-usa.com |
Sweden Tel (46-8) 653 5301, Fax (46-8) 651 1067
Web site http://www |
